Thiruvananthapuram: Fifty major adventure tourism centres in Kerala would be upgraded to meet national and global standards, tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said.
The Ministers announcement came during the roll out of a set of comprehensive safety and security regulations to position Kerala as a prime secure and hassle-free destination for adventure-loving holiday makers and nature buffs.
He also launched an Online Accreditation Portal to provide registration for qualified Adventure Activity Providers (AAP), based on guidelines drawn up by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), under the state tourism department.
The validity of the registration is for two years.
Noting that Kerala Adventure and Activities Based Tourism Safety and Security Regulations set guidelines for conduct of 31 land, water and air-based activities, the minister said Muzhappilangad (Thalassery), Kaapil (Varkala) and Vagamon (Idukki) would be designated as adventurous tourism centres.
“A proposal to set up adventure parks in all districts is also under the consideration of the government, as per the availability of land,” he said.
Listing five ways to develop adventure tourism, he said the basic infrastructure in existing adventure tourism spots has to be developed, which should be followed up by identifying and developing new spots, promoting public-private projects and creating a circuit connecting adventure tourism centres and branding.
Currently, KATPS, in association with the Forest Department, is conducting activities in forest areas, he said.
“Soft adventure parks have already been started in Veli, Kollam Asramam, Thenmala, Karlad in Wayand and Kottappuram.
Preparations are in the final stages in Munnar to start paragliding activities.
Besides, an Adventure Tourism Academy will be set up at Sasthampara near the state capital,” the Minister added.
Presiding, Tourism Secretary Rani George said that except desert based activities and snow-capped mountain activities, Kerala has all the potential to emerge as a top adventure tourism destination.
“Approval has been given for commencing a training course in adventure tourism at the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), in association with private tour operator Muddy Boots,” she added.
The guidelines were evolved by an Experts Committee, which mostly focused on 31 adventure tourism activities.
While doing this, the panel had also taken into account the Adventure Tourism Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
The guidelines lay emphasis on essential parameters for activity providers like having proper license as prescribed by the state or central government norms, deployment of qualified personnel,including well-trained activity leaders with hands- on experience, use of quality equipment and knowledge of First Aid and safety and risk mitigation ability.
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‘God’s own country’ Kerala is expecting a robust increase in footfall this year on the back of many initiatives taken which includes ‘Tourism Trade Meets’ aiming to make the state a 365-day destination. Last year, from January to September, the state saw arrivals of 1.32 crore domestic tourists, PTI reported. The state has also started the second phase of national partnership meets last month which is expected to continue till March. The report also said that the campaigns have connected with people resulting in increased domestic footfalls over the months. Rani George, Tourism Secretary said that the tourists from across the country find the state enchanting and heritage-rich during the festival season.
The report said that Kerala has opted for new experiences and products that would please the domestic tourists and are tailor-made. The state has also introduced many concepts that would promote the experience of village life under responsible tourism, thus, making it a sustainable enterprise. These experiences are inclusive of calm boat rides, silent walks through the greenery, backwater cruises, and canoe cruises among others. Further, in order to hard sell Kerala as a preferred tourist destination, initiatives like the Spice Route Project, Kochi-Muziris Biennale and Muziris Heritage Project have been taken up.
Meanwhile, this statement had come at a time when Kerala is exposed to novel Coronavirus. The state has witnessed mass cancellations of tour packages and hotel bookings due to Coronavirus scare. While the exact numbers have not been confirmed, there have been many cancellations with Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) as well, PTI earlier reported. As the state government declared Coronavirus outbreak as a ‘state calamity’, the tour and travel operators fear that tourism is likely to be hit.
Currently, around 2,800 people being observed in Kerala for coronavirus infection. However, no new cases have come to light. Among these people, 83 are kept at isolation wards in hospitals while others are under home quarantine.
